The Berkeley Springs–Morgan County Chamber of Commerce honored former director and longtime community volunteer Beth Curtin with the organization’s top award last Thursday, September 18 during a community award ceremony at The Country Inn.
Curtin was named the 2025 Morganite, the Chamber’s highest honor recognizing extraordinary service and dedication to the Morgan County community.
photos courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce
Other community award winners had been announced before the event, but the Morganite award was revealed on Thursday in front of attendees.
Curtin follows in the distinguished footsteps of past Morganite recipients Bill Clark and Justice Charles S. Trump IV, adding her name to a list of leaders whose impact has shaped Morgan County for generations.
“For more than four decades, Beth Curtin devoted her life to strengthening Morgan County through tireless volunteerism and exceptional leadership,” said Chamber officials.
As Executive Director of the Chamber for 40 years, Curtin grew the organization into a thriving, respected voice for local businesses, championed initiatives like Community Volunteer Day and new-teacher welcomes, and oversaw beloved traditions such as the Apple Butter Festival.
Alongside her husband Dennis, she also operates the Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, where visitors still find her behind the counter with her trademark smile.
Her longtime colleague Laura Smith, who nominated Beth, wrote, “Beth is effervescent, patient, productive, friendly, and kind. She built the Chamber into a lasting legacy and continues to inspire everyone around her.”
The Morganite Community Awards, proudly sponsored by CNB Bank, Inc., honor excellence in eight categories. Nominations from the community were collected by a committee led by Chair Becky Stotler and reviewed by an anonymous panel of judges, who selected this year’s winners. All eight category winners, including Morganite Beth Curtin, will serve as Grand Marshals of the 50th Annual Apple Butter Festival Parade October 11.
Winners of the other categories of awards included Educator of the Year Bob Myers, Small Business of the Year CJ’s Floral, Employee of the Year Mike Potter, Large Business of the Year The Country Inn, Community Service Volunteer Peace Blossom Judge, Community Hero of the Year Seth Place and Apple Butter Festival Volunteer of the Year Sabrena Funk.
Pictured front row, from left, are winners of the Community Service Award: Peace Blossom Judge and Community Hero: Garrin Place accepting for his dad, Captain Seth Place, who is serving in the National Guard overseas. Not pictured is Apple Butter Volunteer of the Year Sabrena Funk.
photos courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce